Quiz: Can You Identify These Cool Cars From the '80s?: HowStuffWorks

Can You Identify These Cool Cars From the '80s?

AUTO

By: Jacqueline Samaroo

7 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons by Mic from Reading - Berkshire, United Kingdom

About This Quiz

Can you survive in the fast lane?

Compared to the decades that came before it, the 1980s actually proved to be one of the automotive industry's more stable decades in the 20th century. In North America, the pony-car class of automobiles had finally recovered from a drastic dip in sales that occurred during the mid-'70s, with iconic names like the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and the Ford Mustang being hailed as some of the leading causes of this resurgence. In addition to this, the wave of Japanese and European imports making it big in the U.S. had decreased somewhat as well. The major Japanese manufacturers had also started to branch out into more luxury avenues after they were forced to restrict their exports to the U.S. For example, Honda had its Acura brand and Toyota had its Lexus brand. All of these factors combined to produce a consistent stream of automotive (and very much improved) eye candy coming from both the West and the East.

In this quiz, we've sped through the entirety of the 1980s and separated the boring or ugly cars from the cool ones that we all wanted to drive. So, just how much of a classic '80s gearhead are you? Rev up your brain and let's find out!

Wiki Commons by MovienerdDeluxe

The '80s TV series "Knight Rider" featured which flaming-hot car as one of its main characters?

Pontiac Firebird

Toyota Camry

Mitsubishi Lancer

AMG Hammer

KITT from the 1982 TV series "Knight Rider" was specifically a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that was customized for the show. The KITT model cost a total of $100,000 to build and featured the voice of William Daniels as the onboard artificial intelligence.

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Wiki Commons by Alf van Beem

"Back to the Future" made which unsuccessful sports car cooler than it should have been?

Cadillac Cimarron

DeLorean DMC-12

Sterling 800-Series

Ford Mustang

The DeLorean DMC-12 is notable for being the only model that the DeLorean Motor Company ever produced during its short and unstable history. Although the car was a critical and financial failure when it was first released, the success of the Back to the Future franchise help to propel to the forefront of pop culture.

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Wiki Commons by Jagvar

Which British sports car featured an iconic design from the famous Italian automobile designer Giorgetto Guigiaro?

Ferrari Mondial

Chevrolet Citation

Lotus Esprit

Oldsmobile Firenza

The '80s gave birth to the Lotus Espirit S3, the third generation of the iconic angular sports car. Earlier models of the Lotus Espirit also notably had a direct influence on the build of the critically unsuccessful DMC DeLorean.

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Wiki Commons by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia

This Japanese sports car was marketed in North America as the Dodge Conquest and also as the Chrysler Conquest. What was its original name?

Mazda MX-5

Renault Fuego

Cadillac Allante

Mitsubishi Starion

Japanese automaker Mitsubishi introduced the Starion in 1982 as a hatchback four-seat sports car that featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its appeal and overall success lead to it being marketed in North America as rebadged variants under several brands, including Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth.

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Wiki Commons by Maggot666PL

In the Australian market, which Japanese coupe was referred to as the Vortex?

Kia Concord

Subaru XT

Rover 200-Series

Acura Integra

The Japanese of the Subaru XT is the "Subaru Alcyone," and this is a reference to the official Subaru logo. This is because the Subaru logo is based on the "Seven Sisters" (Pleiades) star cluster, and the star Alcyone is the brightest member of this group.

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Wiki Commons by Ermell

Which speedy sports car shares its name with a class of small warships?

Sbarro Mercedes 500

Chevrolet Corvette (C4)

Renault Alliance

Nissan Pulsar NX

The fourth generation of the Corvette — the Chevrolet Corvette (C4) — is without a doubt one of the most iconic eras of the nameplate's history. It was introduced in 1984, and production lasted well into the '90s, with the last one being made in 1996.

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Wiki Commons by Ferjim

This Japanese car wasn't marketed in its home nation, but that didn't stop fans from importing it back into the country anyway. What is its name?

Pontiac Phoenix

Subaru BRAT

Oldsmobile Delta 88 Diesel

Ferrari Testarossa

Although it was created by the Japanese automaker Subaru, the BRAT was actually only intended to be exported and not marketed domestically. As a result of this, the Subaru BRAT was one of the most notable cars of the '80s that was the subject of grey-import networks in Japan.

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Wiki Commons by GTHO

Formula One driver Niki Lauda was gifted the very last car that was produced under this nameplate. What is it called?

Lamborghini Jalpa

Chevrolet Cavalier

Oldsmobile Omega

Ferrari 288 GTO

The Ferrari 288 GTO is an exotic sports car that debuted in 1984 and during its 3-year production span, only 272 were ever created. Some notable owners of the Ferrari 288 GTO include Niki Lauda and Eddie Irvine.

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Wiki Commons by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada

Paul Newman notably drove and promoted which Japanese car?

Ford EXP

Maserati Karif

Datsun 280ZX

Lancia Prisma

Nissan introduced the Datsun 280ZX/Nissan S130 in 1978, but it was the 1982 model that really captivated US audiences. The Datsun 280ZX was also notably marketed in some regions as the Nissan Fairlady Z.

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Wiki Commons by Vitezslav Valka aka Zager

General Motors introduced which muscle car that was named after a stock-car racing competition?

Pontiac Fiero

Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

Chrysler Executive

Jeep Cherokee

Once 1985 came around, the third generation of the Chevrolet Camaro was already in full swing. This was when Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z version into the market. The Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z was notable for its lowered ride height, its "wonder bar" steering brace and upgraded suspension.

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Wiki Commons by Spanish Coches

Which Japanese sports car drew a lot of its inspiration from its company's earlier 2000GT model?

Toyota Celica Supra

Subaru Justy

Corvette "305" California

Ferrari F40

The Toyota Celica Supra was first introduced in the late 1970s, but the nameplate really hit its stride once the second generation debuted in 1981. This generation featured a completely new design and an inline-six engine, among other differences.

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Wiki Commons by User Ken273 on en.wikipedia

This German sports car is one of the most successful models from its manufacturer. What is its name?

Porsche 944

Buick Skylark

Cadillac Seville

Merkur XR4Ti

The Porsche 944 was notable at the time for its relatively substantial and successful production run that lasted from 1982 to 1991. Another remarkable fact was that Porsche managed to produce over 163,000 units.

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Wiki Commons by SG2012

What is the name of the British sports car that drew quite a lot of its inspiration from its manufacturer's earlier Eclat model?

Lotus Excel

Yugo 45

Austin Montego

Audi Quattro

British automaker Lotus took the design of their Eclat model and expanded upon it when they created the Lotus Excel. During its decade-long production run, which lasted from 1982 to 1992, there were only 2075 units built.

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Wiki Commons by Davidsgonzales

National Coach Works, along with one of the largest automakers in America, created which coupe utility together?

Lamborghini Countach

Plymouth Caravelle

Ford Durango

Mercury Lynx

Unlike its predecessor the Ford Ranchero, the Durango was not nearly as successful. In fact, it is estimated that Ford sold less than 400 units of this 2-door coupe utility.

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Wiki Commons by IFCAR

Which Japanese compact car from the '80s was also marketed as an Acura?

Ford LTD Crown Victoria

Geo Metro

Ford Tempo

Honda Integra

The Honda Integra was marketed in some Western markets as the Acura Integra in its earlier years and as the Acura RSX in the fourth generation. While its designs were nothing to scoff at, the Honda Integra was primarily praised for its performance and its excellent handling.

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Wiki Commons by Michael Barera

This car's appearance led to it being referred to as "Darth Vader's Car", but what was its actual name?

Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

Hyundai Excel

Buick Grand National GNX

Gemballa Avalanche

The Star Wars craze was in full swing during the early '80s, and as a result of this, the sci-fi franchise was on everyone's mind when the Buick Grand National GNX first showed its face to the public. Its sleek black coloration and the appearance of its grill led to it being referred to as "Darth Vader's Car."

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Wiki Commons by Thesupermat

Bill Gates famously owned which sports car that was designed in a 2-door coupe body style?

Porsche 959

Ford Granada

Lotus Elan

Honda CRX

The Porsche 959 is a German sports car that was introduced in 1986 and produced until 1993. Helmuth Bolt designed it, and less than 350 units were ever produced during its lifespan.

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Wiki Commons by Julian Herzog

What is the name of the mid-size European SUV from the '80s that combined luxury style and rugged toughness?

Maserati Biturbo

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Triumph Acclaim

AMC Eagle

While it may not look like most of the other vehicles in this quiz, don't let that fool you. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was undoubtedly one of the coolest vehicles from the '80s. This mid-size luxury SUV is also notable for being one of the longest-produced vehicles from Daimler.

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Wiki Commons by Princess.Tilly

Which Japanese nameplate that was introduced in 1984 was also featured heavily in the "Gran Turismo" video games and the "Initial D" anime?

BMW M3

Alfa Romeo Milano

Lada Riva

Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 is notable for begin one of the most popular cars in Japanese street racing that was introduced in the '80s. In total, the nameplate had three design generations, with the last one coming to an end in 2007.

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CHASING PROFITS / YouTube

The second sign of the zodiac shares its name with which cool American car?

Skoda Estelle

Ford Taurus

Skoda Estelle

Lincoln Continental Mark VI

The Ford Taurus was finally discontinued in North America in 2019; however, it is still being produced in China to this day. The first generation debuted in 1986 and was subjected to far greater critical acclaim and sales numbers compared to its predecessor, the Ford LTD.

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Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA

This classic American car from the '80s was known as the "Conquistador" when it was marketed in Venezuela. What is its name?

Lincoln Continental Mark VI

Lada Riva

Alfa Romeo Milano

Ford Taurus

The start of the 1980s brought the fifth generation of the Lincoln Continental Mark series to consumers. It was built on the Ford Panther platform, and this was the first time that the nameplate featured a four-door sedan body style.

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Wiki Commons by Jiri Nedorost

Which German car notably won the Driver's Championship at the 1987 World Touring Car Championship?

Toyota MR2

Triumph Acclaim

BMW M3

Maserati Biturbo

The first generation of the BMW M3 was introduced in 1986 and ran until 1992, and during this time, just over 16,000 units were produced. This first generation was called the E30 generation. and it was designed in both 2-door convertible and 2-door coupe body styles.

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Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA

What is the name of the '80s American crossover SUV that soared across the road in style?

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Lotus Elan

Ford Granada

AMC Eagle

During its run, the AMC Eagle was notable for begin the only US produced four-wheel drive passenger car. It's also distinctive for begin one of the earliest examples of a successful American crossover vehicle.

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Wiki Commons by nakhon100

Compact style and efficient fuel economy were just a few of the advantages that which popular Japanese car from the '80s offered?

Honda CRX

Hyundai Excel

Gemballa Avalanche

Porsche 959

The Honda CRX is a Japanese sport compact car that was first introduced for the 1984 model year and ended production in 1991. Throughout its lifespan, the Honda CRX was praised for its fuel economy, its easy handling and overall performance for its price point.

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Saabkyle04 / YouTube

This speedy and stylish car was also known as the "Savanna" in some markets, but what was its true cool name?

Ford Tempo

Mazda RX-7 Turbo II

Geo Metro

Buick Grand National GNX

The Mazda RX-7 was first introduced in 1978 to great praise from the automotive world, with over 470,000 units produced. However, the Mazda RX-7 Turbo II shifted the paradigm entirely, putting the style and speed of a Porsche in a a far more affordable package that the masses could enjoy.

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Wiki Commons by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada

This full-size American car from 1980 was assembled in both Missouri and Ontario. What is its name?

Ford LTD Crown Victoria

Mercury Lynx

Plymouth Caravelle

Honda Integra

The Ford LTD Crown Victoria was a full-size car that was built on the Ford Panther platform and produced from 1980 to 1991. The nameplate recorded production figures of almost 2 million, and several of these units served as police cars across the United States.

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Wiki Commons by Palauenc05

Less than 2,000 units of this Italian Wedge sports car were produced during its lifetime. What is its name?

Ford Durango

Austin Montego

Yugo 45

Lamborghini Countach

When it comes to Lamborghini vehicles of the 20th century, there are two names that symbolize the iconic nature of the brand: the Lamborghini Countach and the Lamborghini Diablo. The Countach gets more cool points from us because it came first, sporting its iconic Italian Wedge design and setting the stage for the Diablo so that it could flourish as well.

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Wiki Commons by Charlie from United Kingdom

Which German rally car was frequently driven by one of the lead characters from the crime drama "Ashes to Ashes"?

Audi Quattro

Cadillac Seville

Buick Skylark

Lotus Excel

When Audi was designing the Quattro, they wanted to build it with one primary purpose in mind: rally racing. It eventually proved to be a successful rally car, with several drivers winning or placing highly when they were behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro.

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Wiki Commons by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada

Ford assigned this car to their European brand that was represented by the German word for mercury. What is its name?

Porsche 944

Subaru Justy

Corvette "305" California

Merkur XR4Ti

The Merkur XR4Ti was an excellent car in its own right, but it's perhaps most notable for being one of the two models that ever bore the Merkur name (the other being the Merkur Scorpio). One of the primary reasons why Ford coined the Merkur brand in the first place was because they thought that it would better appeal to European buyers.

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Wiki Commons by Will ainsworth

What is the name of the sleek Italian sports car that was designed to celebrate its manufacturer's 40th anniversary?

Chrysler Executive

Ferrari F40

Pontiac Fiero

Toyota Celica Supra

There are two types of sports-car lovers from the '80s: those who loved the Lamborghini Countach and those who loved the Ferrari F40. One of the most notable facts about the Ferrari F40 is that it was the last Ferrari that Enzo Ferrari personally approved.

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Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA

This rugged compact SUV from the '80s proved that cool didn't have to come in the body of a sports car. What is its name?

Jeep Cherokee

Lancia Prisma

Maserati Karif

Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

The original Jeep Cherokee was a great SUV, but it's the second generation, the Jeep Cherokee XJ, that most people remember when they think of the classic design of this SUV nameplate. The model line is still ongoing to this day and is currently in its fifth generation.

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Wiki Commons by The 1982 EXPert

Another name for this American compact car was the "Mercury LN7", but what was its original name?

Datsun 280ZX

Chevrolet Cavalier

Ford EXP

Oldsmobile Omega

The Ford EXP was also sold in some markets as the Mercury LN7, but this variant proved to be drastically less successful than the original. The EXP featured a 3-door hatchback body style and had a production run that lasted from 1981 to 1988.

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Wiki Commons by ColinMB

Which now-iconic Italian sports car was notable for debuting at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show?

Ferrari 288 GTO

Oldsmobile Delta 88 Diesel

Lamborghini Jalpa

Pontiac Phoenix

While it never received the critical acclaim that its cousin the Countach garnered, the Lamborghini Jalpa was still one of the most breathtaking sports cars of the '80s. It was produced from 1981 to 1988, and during this time only 410 units were created.

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Wiki Commons by More Cars from Berlin, Germany

The name of this famous sports car translates to "redhead" in Italian, so what is it called?

Subaru BRAT

Renault Alliance

Sbarro Mercedes 500

Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari F40 may have been the king of the Ferrari empire in the late '80s, but the Ferrari Testarossa proved that it was capable of garnering its portion of the limelight as well. It terms of quantity, it's one of the most heavily produced Ferrari sports cars, with almost 10,000 units created.

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Wiki Commons by order_242 from Chile

What is the North American name of the Japanese coupe that was marketed as the EXA in its home country?

Rover 200-Series

Nissan Pulsar NX

Kia Concord

Chevrolet Corvette

Throughout most of the '80s, the Nissan Pulsar NX proved to be one of the coolest Japanese imports that arrived in the U.S. The second generation is widely considered to be the cooler of the two since it came in a 3-door T-top coupe body style.

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Wiki Commons by IFCAR

Japanese automaker Honda launched their American luxury brand with which highly praised compact car?

Subaru XT

Cadillac Allante

Renault Fuego

Acura Integra

While the first half of the '80s was the time of the Honda Quint, the latter half served as the birth of its successor, the Honda Integra. In North America, it was marketed as the Acura Integra, and it was actually one of the two nameplates that launched the Acura brand.

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Wiki Commons by Mightyrollaman

The British-made Lotus Elan served as a direct inspiration for which best-selling Japanese sports car?

Mazda MX-5

Oldsmobile Firenza

Chevrolet Citation

Mitsubishi Starion

The Mazda MX-5 was introduced at the end of the 1980s and still remains in production to this day. It notably holds the distinction of being the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car of all time.

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Wiki Commons by Vauxford

The French word for "global" serves as the name for which Italian sports car?

Lotus Esprit

Sterling 800-Series

Cadillac Cimarron

Ferrari Mondial

Ferrari sought to encapsulate their extensive motor-racing history when they bestowed the name "Mondail" (French for "global") onto their new 1980 sports car. The car proved to be a moderate success, remaining in production until 1993.

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Wiki Commons by Sicnag

What is the name of the American car that originally created the pony class of car?

Ford Mustang

Mitsubishi Lancer

Toyota Camry

DeLorean DMC-12

If there is one American car that needs no introduction, it's the Ford Mustang. The third generation of the Ford Mustang ranged from 1979 to 1993, and it was actually based on the Ford Fox platform.

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THE DRIVE / YouTube

This high-performance German car was actually based on the Mercedes-Benz W124. What is its name?

Chevrolet Impala

AMG Hammer

Rolls-Royce Phantom

Pontiac Firebird

Mercedes introduced AMG as a high-performance brand back in the late 1960s, and it had proven to be successful over the years. Success was in the cards for them yet again in the late 1980s when they dropped the AMG Hammer onto the market, a high-performance sedan that was based on the Mercedes-Benz W124.

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